Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
12:09
Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
Published on: March 19, 2014
23.2K
Does Valuing Happiness Lead to Well-Being?
1Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University.
Psychological Science
|August 20, 2024
Summary
Valuing happiness is linked to higher well-being, but this pursuit may not improve long-term life satisfaction. Immediate psychological benefits exist, yet sustained positive outcomes are uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Well-being Research
Background:
- Happiness is a prominent global life goal.
- The relationship between valuing happiness and actual well-being requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal impact of valuing happiness on psychological well-being.
- To differentiate between immediate and long-term effects of happiness endorsement.
Main Methods:
- A population-based longitudinal survey of 8,331 Dutch adults (2019-2023).
- Analysis using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models and fixed-effects models.
Main Results:
- Higher valuing of happiness correlated with greater life satisfaction, positive affect, and less negative affect.
- Increases in valuing happiness did not predict future life satisfaction but had mixed immediate emotional effects.
- Valuing happiness showed contemporaneous positive effects on well-being.
Conclusions:
- Endorsing happiness goals offers immediate psychological benefits.
- The long-term positive impact of valuing happiness on well-being and life satisfaction is not guaranteed.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
68
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and...
Neuroticism and...
68
02:06Social Exchange Theory
34.5K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
34.5K
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.2K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.2K
01:24Humanistic Psychology
1.1K
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
1.1K
01:17Traits and States
226
Personality traits represent consistent patterns in behavior, thoughts, and emotions, reflecting an individual's tendencies across various situations. For example, extraversion, a well-known trait, manifests in individuals as talkative, energetic, and enthusiastic behaviors. These traits are stable over time, offering a reliable framework for predicting how people might act in different contexts. However, they do not define every moment of an individual's life. In contrast to traits,...
226
01:17Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
11.5K
Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
11.5K